al-Hamadi, Hussein Goals Iraq beat Bolivia qualify for their first FIFA World Cup since 1986..

- Iraq clinched the last available 48th place at the 2026 World Cup by beating Bolivia 2-1 in their inter-confederation playoff on Tuesday, ‌sealing their return to the World Cup finals stage after a 40-year absence.

Iraq’s only previous World Cup appearance was in Mexico in 1986 where they lost all three group games.

Iraq will compete in Group I at the June 11 to July 19 World Cup along with France, ⁠Norway and Senegal.

*Iraq Beats Bolivia 2–1 to Claim the Final World Cup Spot — Their First Invitation in 40 Years*

Iraq has done it. With a gritty 2–1 win over Bolivia, the Lions of Mesopotamia secured the 48th and final ticket to the World Cup — and fittingly, they did it on Mexican soil, the same place they last played on football’s biggest stage back in 1986.

Iraq came out disciplined and fearless, and it paid off early. Just 10 minutes in, Al-Hamadi rose unmarked on a corner and powered in a header, scoring Iraq’s first-ever goal against a South American national team.

*Bolivia Hits Back — but Iraq Has the Last Word*

Bolivia controlled possession and eventually found an equalizer when a deflected Ramiro Vaca attempt fell kindly to Paniagua, who finished cleanly to make it 1–1.

But right after halftime, Iraq struck again. In the 53rd minute, captain Hussein darted ahead of the Bolivian defense to bury a pinpoint cross from Faraj, restoring the lead and sending Iraqi fans into a frenzy.

La Verde pushed forward relentlessly, earning 17 corner kicks — but turning none into real danger. Their high-risk approach left gaps at the back, and Iraq came close to punishing them on the counter, though they couldn’t find a third goal.

*A Historic Return After Four Decades*

Bolivia never produced a clear chance to force extra time, and Iraq held firm, sealing their long-awaited return to the World Cup after nearly 40 years. Their last appearance was in Mexico 1986, where they exited in the group stage.

This time, the challenge ahead is massive. Iraq joins a stacked Group I and will debut on June 16 in Boston against Norway and Erling Haaland. France and Kylian Mbappé await next on June 22 in Philadelphia, before Iraq closes its group campaign on June 26 in Toronto against Senegal.

A 40-year wait is over — and Iraq is back on the world stage.

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